UCI: Marlen Reusser world time trial champion

Marlen Reusser 🇨🇭 crowned world time trial champion in Kigali

Marlen Reusser has finally reached the top: the Bernese woman became world time trial champion in Kigali, Rwanda, at the first road world championships ever held on the African continent.

The 34-year-old Swiss cyclist delivered a stunning performance on the demanding 31km course through the hilly streets of the Rwandan capital. She clocked a time of 43:09, beating her Dutch rivals Anna van der Breggen (+52) and Demi Vollering (+1:05).

Video of Marlen Reusser's coronation

A consecration after several world podiums

Reusser has been circling the title for several years. After winning a silver medal at Imola in 2020 and then in Flanders in 2021, and a bronze medal in Australia in 2022, she finally won gold and will be able to wear the prestigious rainbow jersey in all time trial events next season.

Olympic runner-up in Tokyo in 2021, the Bernese rider caps off an exceptional season. After her victory at the Tour de Suisse in June, she finished second overall in the Giro and Vuelta.

“A dream come true”

Still emotional after her victory, Reusser confided:

“I can't believe it. I've tried so many times without success... And today, I finally succeeded. It's so special. I'm happy for myself and for everyone who has supported me over the years.”

In the lineage of Karin Thürig

With this victory, Marlen Reusser becomes the second Swiss woman in history to win the world time trial, a discipline included in the program since 1994. Before her, Karin Thürig won the title in 2004 in Verona and in 2005 in Madrid.

New challenges in Rwanda

This gold medal could be just the beginning. Reusser will have two more opportunities to shine in Kigali: Wednesday in the mixed team relay, and then Saturday in the women's road race, where she hopes to add to her already impressive record.